Many people think getting a massage is simply a luxury. Something to do on special occasions to pamper yourself. But what would you say if you knew massage had major health benefits to it?

It’s true, regular massages improve our overall health. And your body may be giving you signs that you need a massage ASAP.

But just what are the signs you should be paying attention to? And how would getting a massage better your health?

Let’s look at 8 signs you should be watching for and talk about how exactly a massage may benefit you.

1. You’re Feeling Stressed

Let’s face it, stress is something almost all of us have in common. Between the demands of work, family, and life in general, who hasn’t felt stressed out at some point?

While we may not be able to take the source of stress out of our lives completely, we can relieve it. And getting a massage is a perfect way to do that.

Massage decreases the level of stress hormones in the body. At the same time, it increases levels of endorphins, hormones that make us happy. Making it a great stress reliever and mood lifter.

Not to mention, massages give us time out of our daily lives to decompress, relax, and do something to help ourselves recharge.

2. You’re Getting Headaches

If you find you’re getting more headaches than usual, it could be coming from tension. Tension can build up in our neck, shoulders, and trapezoid muscles. And this tension causes strain that triggers headaches.

Getting regular massages can relieve this tension. Relaxing the muscles will promote better blood flow to the head, which will ease headache pains. It can also help ease the severity of migraine symptoms.

The massage therapist will know what areas to concentrate on. The use of essential oils is another tool your therapist can use to help you relax and ease the pain.

3. You’re Sedentary for Most of the Day

Working a desk job or having a relatively sedentary routine can seem harmless enough. But it can be wrecking more havoc on your body than you realize.

Being hunched over a desk or sitting in the same position for too long builds tension in your body. This can lead to poor posture, headaches, or overall pain.

Getting a massage will relieve this strain and improve your spinal health. It will relax and loosen the muscles that have unknowingly tightened throughout your day.

It can also help with the strain typing all day puts on your body. Massage on your forearms will relax muscles, promoting better circulation throughout your arms and into your hands.

4. You Have Poor Posture

Many people think poor posture is a result of laziness. Or maybe it’s even something out of their control. The reality is, most poor posture stems from tension held in the back and neck in combination with poor muscle strength.

Massage will naturally relieve this tension. Not only promoting better spinal and postural health but allowing muscles to move freely into their natural positions.

It will also help increase the flexibility of the muscles. Meaning, if any of the muscles in the back or neck have shortened over time, regular massages will can assist in lengthening them. Increasing the flexibility for muscles to move as they should.

5. You’re in Pain or Don’t Have a Full Range of Motion

Pain is a way for your body to signal that something is wrong. And the problem is many of us ignore it until it gets worse.

Pain in your back, neck, hips, and shoulders could signal a soft tissue injury or muscle pain. We can help you find the root cause of your pain.

A massage therapist will pinpoint any trigger points, which are bundles of muscle fibers that are restricting blood flow and causing pain. Working these trigger points out will relieve the pain and relax the muscles involved.

The increased blood flow will also promote healing of any soft tissue injuries.

And on the same token, if you find you can’t move your head from side to side or extend your arm as far out as it should, a massage can help. It can relax the muscles restricting the movement and restore full motion again. Schedule a complimentary consultation with our doctor to determine if a massage is your best option.

6. You’re Training or Just Started Working out

Training and working out result in building new muscles, straining muscles, and even tearing muscle fibers. Cardio activity and weight lifting can put a lot of stress and strain on your body. That’s why it’s so important to take care of your muscles with massage.

Getting a deep tissue massage can restore range of motion when muscles get tight. It can also promote better circulation which will aid in a quicker recovery from muscle injuries.

Flexibility is also increased with massage. And the better your flexibility, the less likely you’ll encounter muscle strain and injury.

7. You’re Having Trouble Sleeping

When having trouble sleeping, most people turn to sleep aids or maybe even a cup of warm tea. A massage is something that is often forgotten.

But think about it… when your muscles feel relaxed, you’re relaxed. And what better sleep aid is there than that?

Along with relaxing your muscles, massage will increase your circulation, decrease your stress hormones, increase your endorphins, and makes you feel better overall.

It’s a natural and effective way to get better rest and deeper sleep.

8. You’ve Never Had a Massage Before

If you’ve never had a massage before, you don’t know what you’re missing out on! It’s a great way to improve your overall health and do something to better yourself and your mood.

Regular massages are the way to maintain the benefits. Most massage therapists recommend having a massage at least once a month. More may be necessary if you’re training or recovering from an injury.

Your Body Will Let You Know When You Need A Massage – Listen to It

If you’re not getting regular massages, your body won’t be shy about letting you know you need a massage. All you have to do is listen… then make that appointment. Your body will thank you for it later.

Is your body speaking to you now? Contact us today to book your appointment!